A Fete for All Seasons: Spring

Anchored by the architecture of a pyramid trellis painted the green of sprouting leaves, this botanically inclined tablescape takes its cue from the garden. More than nine feet tall atop the table, this garden tuteur towers above the heads of guests. A garland of greenery coils its way to the pinnacle. At once imposing and airy, the trellis would make a statement at any party. "A dozen of these done in blue, or even black, would create an instant garden atmosphere," muses floral designer Lewis Miller of LMD, 212-614-2734.

To keep the emphasis on green and leafy, the only flowers are agapanthus seedpods in huge rustic bottles and a small bunch of green-tinged viburnum. Glass-necked bottles, large, $49.95, small, $34.95, from Crate & Barrel, crateandbarrel.com.

A large green-tint glass hurricane is filled with water and variegated hosta leaves. The leaves are arranged by pressing them against the inside of the glass. Glimmering votive candles float on top. Glass hurricane, $69.95, from Crate & Barrel, crateandbarrel.com.

To create this botanical still life for the 21st century, Miller mounded young tulips with no buds yet in sight, their bulbs washed clean and their roots trimmed, in a water-filled clear-glass pedestal bowl. Planted outside in spring after the party, the tulips may still bloom.